I Love Peterborough Racing

 My Wife and Daughter are planning their time in Peterborough while I'm running the race. Tasha, "Dad will you be done in an hour & a half?" Me, "HELL NO!"
Last time I ran was the Hamilton Marathon first week in November. 
I started running the Peterborough Half in 2004, when the race home base was the old YMCA building. Today, the new YMCA facility makes this winter run a treat & pleasant experience. Not suggesting for a minute that I compete in races whereby we physically change our undergarments in frozen snow banks.
 This year I ran slower than in the past, mainly because I ran slower that I have in the past. It wasn't my age. It wasn't the wind in my face. It wasn't my socks. It wasn't that I overdressed. It wasn't because 9 out the 10 aid stations refused to give me a drink. I was slower than prior races. I've done this particular course in 1 hr 32 mins which for me is good. Today's time was 1 hr 41 mins.
What can be learned from this? In order to get better you need to practice.
Overheard in the locker room prior to the race. First Man not from Peterborough area doing the race for the first time, "Is this course hilly?" Second Man from Peterborough, "Well, ,.. yes,  i would say its hilly, (pauses) and reflects and then decides to be a little more forthright. Yes it is hilly especially kilometer #5.
I'm thinking to myself, buddy are you in for a surprise.

Gillette made the Mach 3 ; Under Armour has the Mach 39

I'm a strong proponent for science, engineering & making the world a safer place to eat peanut butter. I love my Lazer Aerodynamic Time Trial Race Helmet. In the words of Frank Zappa "in order to make progress, you sometimes have to deviate from the norm".
On January 1st,  in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, Under Armour released the "Mach 39" to the U.S. Speed Skating Team. Already heavily favoured to gather a bouquet of medals this lightening fast, aerodynamic "Mach 39" racing suit would ensure pure success. On Feb 16th the U.S. has achieved "nyet".
The venting in the upper back portion of the Mach 39 suits was to release body heat. The venting was taking in air,  thus acting like the Goodyear Blimp. Imagine the Athletes. Imagine the Stakeholders back in the boardroom.
A multitude of strings are at play here. You're Shani Davis, you have been training your callouses off for the last four years and you want one of those honking magnificent Sochi Gold medals. You'll skate naked if it means getting gold with 5 days to go. Meanwhile back in the U.A. Boardroom its damage control. Friday at close,  Under Armour stock fell - 2.38% to $ 106.10 /share. Today it will be interesting to watch what happens to the price.
I truly feel for Under Armour and Shani Davis and the U.S. Speed skating team. Trying to get an skate edge but somehow not quite pulling off the American Dream.Not unlike our beloved Canadian Cross Country Skiers with their "wax experiments?".  You gotta love Science.

Man's Best Friend ?

Most likely over 20 years old, manufactured in Winnipeg, Manitoba this Sterling Snow Blower gets the job done. Did i mentioned it weighs 300 lbs.